Teacher Notes
Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a preview of Grammar 6-1.
The following vocabulary words are used in this activity:
Part One: Warm Up
Discuss the following questions with a partner or group:
- What does off road mean?
- What are some examples of vehicles that can drive off road?
- What are some reasons that people want to try dangerous activities?
Part Two: Reading
Match the pictures with the text (A, B, C, D):
A
Mudding is driving off road through an area of wet dirt, or mud. Drivers try to drive the longest distance without stopping. There are many types of tires that are suggested for this activity. Some tires are called balloon tires. Balloon tires are larger, but have less air pressure. Paddle tires can also be used. Paddle tires have V-shaped pieces on the tire that help with traction in the mud. This activity is very popular in the United States, although it is illegal on public parks because it can damage the land.
B
Dune bashing driving off road on hills of soft dirt called sand dunes. A Large SUV is the most common vehicle used. Some vehicles may be equipped with a roll cage. A roll cage decreases damage when a vehicle rolls on its top. Normal tires cannot be used. Tires with low air pressure are better for driving on the sand. Driver skill is required to control the car and prevent accidents. Usually, drivers travel in groups because it is easy to get lost in the desert driving alone. You can find dune bashing in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
C
In raids, four wheel drive vehicles are used to travel on and off roads. These long trips go through areas where very few people live. Tunisia and Morocco have raid tracks, but drivers can also find raids in Mongolia or Northern Scandinavia. Because the tracks are long, vehicles need extra fuel tanks and supply systems in the back for food, water, spare parts, tools and other items. The suspensions on the vehicles are often made stronger with better springs. If there are no more supplies, drivers may not have enough food or gas to get back to a safe place.
D
Drivers often raise the body of their vehicles for safety while rock crawling. A higher body keeps the vehicle from hitting rocks. Tires, gears and the suspension are changed so driving on the rocks is more comfortable for the driver. Drivers must avoid as many rocks as they can to win. Another person called the spotter stands next to the vehicle to help the driver. The driver depends on the spotter to find rocks that are difficult to see. Rock crawling is dangerous because the vehicle can lost control and hit the spotter at any time. People can see this sport every year in the Moab Desert.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.